NC reports first flu deaths of the season

A flu shot is administered in Barre, Vt. Hospitals. Today, North Carolina health officials announced the first flu-related deaths of the season. Officials said prevention, such as getting a vaccine, is the best way for people to protect themselves.

TOBY TALBOT/AP Photo

By CAITLIN BYRDTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 1:39 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 1:39 p.m.

Three North Carolinians have died from the flu, state health officials reported Tuesday.

The individuals, all of them middle-aged adults who were at an increased risk for complications because of underlying medical conditions, were from eastern North Carolina, the Triad region and the Charlotte area.

All died two weeks after testing positive for Influenza A, one of the main types of flu responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to all of the families on their loss," Acting Health Director Dr. Robin Gary Cummings stated in a news release. "We hope that these tragic cases will help alert other people to the risks associated with contracting flu."

According to public health officials, cases of the flu in the Tar Heel state have been relatively low so far this season. However, officials note, the cases are beginning to trend upward.

Henderson County Interim Health Director Betsy Alexander said the local department focused on getting school-aged children vaccinated early this year.

"Students are exposed to a lot of people every day and come into contact with people who may be sick. By protecting one student, we've protected a couple of people all at once," Alexander said.

This October, the local health department offered four school clinics in which, Alexander said, approximately 1,362 people got vaccinated.

Alexander said even if a person has already had the flu this year and was not vaccinated, they should get a flu shot.

"All of the pharmacies have it (flu shots), and we still have it at our health department. It's not difficult to get at all," she said.

Flu season typically peaks during January and February. Complications from flu can be particularly dangerous for high-risk groups including children younger than 2, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and immune system problems.

"Anyone in a high risk group who gets the flu should see a doctor right away so they can receive treatment with an antiviral drug," Cummings said in the release. "Early treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between a mild illness and a very serious illness."

For more information about how to get a flu vaccination, Henderson County residents can call the public health line at 694-4040.

Reach Byrd at 828-694-7881 or caitlin.byrd@blueridgenow.com.

Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.